Originally posted by SnoGrl:
Why is crate training bad (asked out of ignorance!)? >>>>>

(Warning this is going to be long:
SnoGrl,
Crate training is not bad as long as it is not abused. Some people use the crate
to jail a dog instead of training, or
in liu of spending time with their pet.
Only 2 of my dogs is partially crate trained.
Getting a dog use to a crate is a very good idea.
In an emergency, such as earthquake, fires etc., overnight stay at vets, flying,
traveling in a car. These are just a handfull of reasons to get your dog use to a crate.
Dogs are den animals, so once they get use to it they should actually like their crate.
Try placing the crate where you wish it to remain, in a draft free place near the center of your household activity.
Leave the door open but put the dogs toys inside.
Allow the dog to explore it's crate freely.
Once the dog is comfortable, moving in and out of the crate at will, begin confining it in the crate for short periods of 15 minutes,
gradually increasing the time to 3-4 hours,
once a day.
You can even feed the dog all it's meals inside the crate at first.
Never use the crate as a punishment, or
in lieu of training or because you just
don't have time for the dog.
I personally do not believe in crating a dog more than 4 hours a day.
I do not crate my dogs, but I do have crates on each side of my bed with the door open.
I have been repremanded by others for not fully crate training my dogs etc. or
not crating them when they are in my car.
They way I look at it, everyone's living situation is different. I choose not to crate my dogs, but I do try to get them use to the crate. Others swear by crate training.
You should be able to find information on
crating on some of the rescue shelters
web sites or training sights, or you local
book store.